Porter A gate-keeper (Sa2 18:26; Kg2 7:10; Ch1 9:21; Ch2 8:14). Of the Levites, 4,000 were appointed as porters by David (Ch1 23:5), who were arranged according to their families (1 Chr. 26:1-19) to take charge of the doors and gates of the temple. They were sometimes employed as musicians (Ch1 15:18).

Post (1.) A runner, or courier, for the rapid transmission of letters, etc. (Ch2 30:6; Est 3:13, Est 3:15; Est 8:10, Est 8:14; Job 9:25; Jer 51:31). Such messengers were used from very early times. Those employed by the Hebrew kings had a military character (Sa1 22:17; Kg2 10:25, "guard," marg. "runners"). The modern system of postal communication was first established by Louis XI. of France in A.D. 1464. (2.) This word sometimes also is used for lintel or threshold (Isa 6:4).

Potiphar Dedicated to Ra; i.e., to the sun-god, the Egyptian to whom the Ishmaelites sold Joseph (Gen 39:1). He was "captain of the guard", i.e., chief, probably, of the state police, who, while they formed part of the Egyptian army, were also largely employed in civil duties (Gen 37:36; marg., "chief of the executioners"). Joseph, though a foreigner, gradually gained his confidence, and became overseer over all his possessions. Believing the false accusation which his profligate wife brought against Joseph, Potiphar cast him into prison, where he remained for some years. (See JOSEPH.)

Potters' Field The name given to the piece of ground which was afterwards bought with the money that had been given to Judas. It was called the "field of blood" (Mat 27:7). Tradition places it in the valley of Hinnom. (See ACELDAMA.)